The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By October 12, 2020, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm.
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a special public hearing by electronic communication means on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at 9:30 AM. In consideration of Governor Northam�s Executive Orders and public safety, the public may only participate in this meeting via video/audio conference. All persons interested in commenting are highly encouraged to submit written comments prior to the meeting. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission may meet by electronic communication means without a quorum of the public body or any member of the governing board physically assembled at one location as the Governor has declared a state of emergency in accordance with � 44-146.17.
Public comments on the proposal should be provided to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2020. Those requesting to provide public comment on items not on the agenda, or provide written comment on any of the public hearings must send an email to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading "Commission Comments" by 12 p.m. on October 26, 2020.
Further instructions for electronic meeting participation, public call-in information, and the meeting web link will also be provided at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm in advance of the electronic meeting.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery" to extend the season for the hard crab pot fishery through December 19, 2020.
The purpose of these amendments is to offset economic losses to the blue crab fishery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
